History

Syllabus

Pearson Edexcel A-Level History Specification Code: 9H10 Website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/ pdf/A%20Level/History/2015/Specification%20and%20 sample%20assessments/9781446914366_GCE_2015_A_HIST. pdf

Minimum Overall Entry Requirements

For an A-Level pathway a minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including English and Mathematics is required.

Minimum Subject Specific Entry Requirements

GCSE History at Grade 5

Course Aims

A-Level History utilises a mixture of engaging and interesting units aimed at introducing a student to different aspects of the past. Furthermore, History will act as a gateway into further study for a student who wishes to pursue a career in professions such as Law, Journalism, Teaching or Research.

Course Content

The modules that a student will study are:

Germany and West Germany, 1918–89: A student will undertake a study in breadth of key political changes in a unified Germany and then in West Germany after the Second World War, and the impact of these changes on German economic, social and cultural developments. They will study developments and changes over time from 1918–89. A student will also complete a study in depth of historical interpretations on the broad question: How far Hitler’s foreign policy was responsible for the Second World War?

The Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy, c1911–46: This paper comprises a study of the turbulent years in Italy that saw the collapse of the liberal state, the creation of a fascist dictatorship and a return to democracy in the aftermath of the Second World War. A student will learn about the impact of the profound political, economic and social changes between c1911–1946 and how the failure to create a stable, democratic Italian state led to the rise of a new political ideology and a personal dictatorship.

The British Experience of Warfare, c. 1790-1918: This paper comprises of two parts: the Aspects in breadth focus on longterm changes and contextualise the Aspects in depth, which focus in detail on key episodes. Together, the breadth and depth topics explore the British experience of war in different aspects of major overseas conflicts and the changing relationship between the state and the people as the government attempted to create an effective fighting machine and prepare the people for war. Within the primarily military focus on the experience of warfare, this option also gives students the opportunity to explore its political, social and economic dimensions and their part in generating pressure for change.

Non-Examined Assessment (coursework) - The Civil Rights Movement, c1955-c1965: This coursework will enable a student to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history as part of an independently researched assignment. The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. They will form a critical view based on relevant reading. They will also be required to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians.

Examinations

NEA (coursework): Students complete a single assignment on a question set by the centre. The assignment will assess the ability to carry out a historical enquiry, analysing and evaluating historical interpretations, and organising and communicating the findings - 20%

There are three examined modules:

Paper 1 - 2 hours 15 minutes 30% Paper 2 - 1 hours 30 minutes 20% Paper 3 - 2 hours 15 minutes 30%